Chief Justice Roberts Refuses to Testify Before Congress on Ethics Concerns

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. declined an invitation to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee about ethics rules for the Supreme Court. In an accompanying statement on ethics practices, all nine justices insisted that the existing rules around gifts, travel, and other financial disclosures are sufficient. The invitation came after revelations of unreported gifts, travel, and real estate deals between Justice Clarence Thomas and a Texas billionaire and Republican donor. Advocates for greater transparency at the court said the statement did little to ease concerns about accountability.